Metro Announces NoHo-Pasadena Bus Line

A new express bus service will start Tuesday between North Hollywood and Pasadena, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Monday. The new NoHo-Pasadena Express Line 501 route connects the North Hollywood Red Line subway station with the Gold Line in Pasadena. The board of the transportation authority, also known as Metro, approved in October a six-month pilot program for the new service at a cost of $1.2 million. The route will have six stops and operate every 15 minutes during weekday peak hours, every 30 minutes during weekday off-peak times and every 30 minutes on weekends. The route will travel primarily on the 134 Freeway with stops in Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena. The base fare is $2.50. The service will connect with other buses operated by Metro, BurbankBus, Foothill Transit, the Glendale Beeline, Pasadena Transit and Santa Clarita Transit. Glendale Mayor and Metro Board Member Ara Najarian said that if Line 501 is successful it will provide justification for greater transit investments between the San Fernando Valley and Pasadena. “I encourage cross-valley commuters to try the 501 and see for themselves how it can make their transit experience better than ever before,” Najarian said in a prepared statement. After the six months, Metro will review ridership and determine if the service requires any changes.